Stories by Alisha Evans

The number of empty homes are on the rise despite the housing shortage.

Mahé Drysdale has voted against adding fluoride to the city's water supply, saying he has "real question marks around safety" and wants more assurances it did not pose a risk.

Gordy Lockhart campaigned for six years to get a rainbow crossing in Tauranga - and complaints started as soon as it was approved.

Mahé Drysdale spent $41,409 on his successful campaign. But his rival and uncle, Doug Owens, spent the most at $56,012 on his own run at the mayoralty.

Residents are calling out the NZTA's proposal to toll a new $655m route.

It's the most controversial road in Mt Maunganui and a newly elected councillor is asking why a major change was allowed to happen.

Tauranga getting a rainbow pedestrian crossing after a six-year campaign is a sign it is "growing up".

Median barriers on SH2 near Katikati are "severely limiting" access and hurting horticultural and agricultural businesses, farmers say.

Western Bay of Plenty councillors have stood by their decision and reaffirmed a Māori ward for the district.

Tauranga's new council must decide whether to continue work to fluoridate the city's water or try for an extension ahead of a looming deadline, otherwise it risks large fines.

A change in funding for Tauranga's civic precinct, Te Manawataki o Te Papa, could save ratepayers $1million a year in interest.

A Tauranga woman is locked in a row with council over unpaid rates because she believes the city has been "denied democracy".

Originally it was going to be a four-month trial in response to safety concerns around the high traffic volumes while children travelled to and from school.

Tauranga City Council is awaiting a new trial date in its bid to recoup millions of dollars lost in a failed transport hub.

Auckland water taxi company Hauraki Express is prepared to build two ferries for the service if local councils will subsidise the fares.

Just 38.7 per cent of people voted in the Tauranga City Council election on Saturday.

When the former Olympic champ used to win a race, the hard work was done - but now, the next Tauranga mayor says it's just beginning.

Tauranga will choose who will be running their city for the first time in five years on Saturday.

Candidates at a public meeting raised concerns about the plan's $4.9 billion proposed spend and its affordability.

The legal process to transfer the land, which the $306 million civic precinct Te Manawataki O Te Papa is being built on, to a joint trust is complete.

A ferry service between Mount Maunganui and Tauranga could be on the way in 2025.

Six-storey buildings could be permitted after the recommendations of an independent hearing panel were rejected.

Tauranga has a population of more than 130,000, but only 14 people have put their hand up to stand in the elections so far, with a week until nominations close.

Construction of the 4m wide path began in April 2023 and it opened in December.

Western Bay of Plenty households face paying an extra $300 to $350 per year under the council's long-term plan proposal.